Camper has a very rounded off front end, so short of putting a wedge on the roof, I don't see lowering the wind resistance any. I am not sure of the rear end gearing, but since I am getting 15+ on normal combined driving, I am thinking that I may need to change to a better ratio for pulling. I am also a little concerned about the tranny, as the van is closing in on 250,000 miles. The drivetrain feels solid and it runs great unloaded. The service tech at the dealership recommended a second tranny cooler as a safety precaution, but didn't have much to add after that. I will find out how it holds up this weekend when I take the rig on a 3 hour drive. I am really wishing I wasn't stuck with the 22 gallon tank, as it may take a couple fill-ups to get to the campground.

 

OK, so it's obviously not really wind resistance. However, all I can really add is that the gas mileage does not sound out of line to me. Tim

 

Agreed frontal area is likley not a issue, trans and rear ratios may be the problem. if I talk dirty(light right foot) to my van she never gets better than 12mpg on the highway.

That being said the last 10 Septembers we pulled our 29' camper to Quebec City from Southeastern Mass with our B3500, other than the steep grades in New Hampshire no problems keeping 60-65mph.

These 5.9 are not powerful motors but with the right gears they get the job done. I believe you said you have a 5.2, I feel you should have plenty of power to pull that trailer, 3.55 or 3.90 rear end gears would help. Your van must have highway gears.

 

Towing the trailer we lost all power due to the ignition coil going bad. Went through 3 coils in 210 miles and ended up being towed home the last 25 miles. Don't know if this was my problem all along.

 

That is a trip you will remember, sorry to hear about the coils.

I think your right something else must be going on, I have no idea but sure the others will help you out.

Good luck.

 

With all the issues trying to tow the trailer through last season (replaced complete ignition system with high output; replaced fuel pump system) and still seeing a power loss when towing only, I have decided to sell the van and am picking up a 92 B350 Maxi. The 94 B250 extended has a 5.9 and 3.55 rear end, light duty suspension. I did upgrade to an airlift 5000 add on rear suspension. The Maxi has the same drive train, except it is geared at 3.92. I don't know if it has the 35 gal tank or 22, so I don't know how often I will have to fill up.
As for the B250, my best mileage was a nice 70 mile trip with cruise set at 65, I pull off 17.8 mpg.

 

With air bags on a 3500 the van is a formidable tow vehicle, you should have no problems pulling now.

Best of luck my friend.